An interview with a Scot...

Hey bloggers! This week I had the privilege to sit down with a person born and raised in Scotland and asked her a few questions to get the feel of her country and lifestyle
                                                             Image Source: Fiona Laurie (pictured far right)

WHAT'S YOUR NAME AND WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
My name is Fiona Laurie and I'm from Edinburgh in Scotland.


WHY ARE YOU AT BRENAU?
I'm studying at Brenau for one year on the "Georgia Rotary Student Programme", which is a scholarship to study at a university in Georgia for one year. 60 people from around the world are offered the scholarship and it is to promote peace throughout the world.


CAN YOU EXPLAIN WHY YOUR COUNTRY DIFFERS FROM ANY OTHER?
Scotland is very different from America as it is a lot smaller. Scotland is also different to other European countries. We have our own accent and words and we like to be very independent. Scotland has so much history and wherever you go in Edinburgh there is always a historic story behind it.

HOW IS THE FOOD IN AMERICA DIFFERENT FROM YOUR HOME?
America has a lot more fast food. We still have fast food but not as many variations. We also don't eat out as much in Scotland.  However, I do like eating out in America and as there are so many choices you would never be eating the same thing. Also, everything in the South is fried which is good but bad at the same time!


HOW DOES FASHION IN THE UNITED STATES DIFFER FROM SCOTLAND?
Fashion is much the same between America and Scotland. However, in America people are more casual, for example, they will just put on sweatpants and a sweater to go out. In Scotland not many people do this.


WHAT TO YOU IS THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AMERICA AND SCOTLAND?
The biggest difference between America and Scotland is the size of everything. I could drive two hours and be in England, whereas you do not even get near to leaving the state in America. In Scotland cities are much closer together and buses, trains etc make it very easy to get around. In America you need a car unless you are in a big city.


DO YOU FIND SCOTLAND TO BE MORE BEAUTIFUL IN ITS LANDSCAPE?
I am lucky to live near Edinburgh as when I am in the city I get a beautiful view of Edinburgh castle and all the history which is great. There is also really picturesque countryside around with farm animals which is pretty too. America has beautiful landscape too as there is lots of space for people to raise animals.

IF YOU COULD PAINT THE WORLD WHEN YOU LOOK OUT YOUR WINDOW IN SCOTLAND, WHAT WOULD YOU SEE?
If I look out my window I see a street of nice semi-detached houses and if I look beyond them I see big fields filled with trees and flowers. At night in the distance you can see the lights from the city.

Hopelessly Romantic...

     The first thing that caught my eye about this brilliant country is how very romantic it is always portrayed in novels and movies (excluding Braveheart). And it is just that, romantic. The scenery is majestic and a natural beauty seems to pop out at you as it is described within the paragraphs of any Scottish novel. Atop the emerald landscapes sit some of the oldest castles that are also some of the most sought out locations for Scottish weddings. Edinburgh Castle (Edinburgh), Eilean Donan Castle (island of Loch Duich... pictured below) and Comlongon Castle (Dumfries) are some examples. Most of the castles within Scotland are placed above some of the more dangerous ledges where the Atlantic Ocean smashes against the rock walls and creates a more savage rather than beautiful.

Image Source: Travlang Travel Guide

http://www.travlang.com/blog/eilean-donan-castle-a-quizotic-spot-of-scotland/

   Another romantic option for a Scottish wedding is the legendary Gretna Green. For those of you who don't know what that is, it used to be one of those most infamous places for a couple to elope. In 1754, England passed a law that prevented a bride or groom under the age of 21 from marrying without the consent of a guardian. This didn't stop these young lovestruck couples from getting what they wanted when it was still legal to marry at the age of 16 in the tiny village of Gretna Green. So, with love blurring their senses, men and women would escape over the border on stage coaches and engaged in hasty marriages conducted by everyday people such as Blacksmiths. Gretna Green has been a haven for romantic lovers for more than 250 years with couples having traveled for days by horse and coach, and said to be on the run from fathers in hot pursuit. As romantic as it is to be married by a blacksmith, it is now required to be married by a priest in this widely visited village which requires you to call/email in advance to actually set up a time and date for your 'elopement'. :]
OUTLANDER JUSTIFICATION MOMENT:
      I may not like to admit to this defeat but my "Outlander" series is classified as historical romance and I absolutely love them. But to me, it is so much more than any "boy-meets-girl" novel. The characters seem to have lives and a purpose rather than to just fall in love, rut, and live happily ever after. You get to read through a Scottish revolution. One that involves the Scottish rebels having to go through mental pain, physical pain, malnourisment and ultimately having to surrender their beloved country and culture over to their opponent, the English. It takes you from the larger cities such as Edinburgh to smaller cities that have now fallen to rubble because of wars and famines. 

O my luve's like a red, red rose, 

That's newly sprung in June, 

My luve's like the melodie 

That's sweetly play'd in tune.

As fair art thou, my bonie lass, 

So deep in luve am I, 

And I will luve thee still, my dear, 

Till a` the seas gang dry.

From `A Red, Red Rose` - Robert Burns [ 1794]

An Introduction To A Scottish Obsession

     I have never traveled outside of the United States of America. I have never been lifted 25,000 feet into the air and gazed down onto land below. Keeping this in mind, it seems a little strange to comprehend the fact that a girl such as I would have an illogical obsession over a country that is over 4,000 miles away. Yet, any time I am asked where my favorite place on this Earth is, I answer it simply with Scotland.

     There really is no justification for the unexplainable love other than the many Scottish novels I have read over the years and there have been many. The one that has inspired my love for Scotland the most had to be the "Outlander" series by Diana Gabaldon. Over the course of this blog, I will probably quote from these books quite a bit just to get a feel of the way people talk and the things they do, carry, etc etc.

     Any country can boast about their many accomplishments and failures. They have their own culture, history, and lifestyle. I will research the many historical aspects of my beloved, emerald country and give opinions as I learn the interesting facts. I may even attempt to make some well known Scottish recipes to make this a hands on experience. I'm really excited about this adventure and I cannot wait to delve deep into the interesting information! 

"Harmless as a setting dove," he agreed. "I'm too hungry to be a threat to anything but breakfast. Let a stray bannock come within reach, though, and I'll no answer for the consequences."

                                                                     -Diana Gabaldon's "Outlander"